William Robert Simpkins, 1947-2024

William Robert Simpkins, age 76, passed away on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at his home in Bartow, FL after a long courageous battle with Parkinson's Disease.

He was born on November 8, 1947, in Millville, NJ to parents Janice and William. He graduated from Vineland High School in 1966 and completed his education at Warner University in Lake Wales, FL where he graduated in 2001 with a bachelor's degree. He served in the U.S. Naval Reserved from 1965-1967.

He worked in law enforcement all his adult life, beginning his career at Vineland Police Department and retiring from Polk County Sheriff's Office in 2009. He also spent several years working for the Trans-Alaska Pipeline at Prudhoe Bay, Alaska as an armed security officer. After his retirement, he worked as a substitute teacher for the Polk County School.

He will be dearly missed by his soulmate and wife of 42 years, Rose Marlene, sons John and wife Sandra, Wayne and wife Gina, Kristopher and wife Danielle and daughter Wendy and husband Kenny, 9 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren, brothers, Michael, Bobby and Harold, sisters, Sherrie, Jaye and Cindy, brother in laws, John and Andrew Fiocchi and his closest dearest friend, Dottie Heck.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Janice and William, his sister Freda and grandson Dean. A private memorial service will be held sometime in the future.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Good Shepard Hospice, 3470 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland, FL 33805. Condolences may be sent to the family at http://www.whiddenmcleanfuneralhome.com